Tukwila man missing in mountains near Ellensburg

Authorities from Kittitas and Yakima counties are searching for a 62-year-old elk hunter from Tukwila who has been missing since Monday.

Dwight Bates was hunting Monday in the Manastach area between Ellensburg and Naches. He was trying to drive from Barbara Springs to Whistling Jacks Lodge on state Route 410. He called his son to say road conditions were poor and that he would go back to Barbara Springs and take Umptanum Road to Whistling Jacks Lodge.

He didn’t call back, and his son reported him missing. Bates is an experienced hunter familiar with the area. His son told authorities that it is unlike him not to call.

Bates was driving a 1967 Ford pickup. It is green and white with a matching canopy. The Washington license plate is B39032C.